Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow; Minister of Education, Hon. Patrick Faber and Minister of Health, Hon. Pablo Marin along with Director of Health Services, Dr. Marvin Manzanero, held a joint press conference on Wednesday, August 12 to appraise the nation of actions being taken in the advent of a great spike in detected COVID-19 cases.
The press conference was prompted after the number of cases spiked exponentially from 48 on Saturday August 1 to 56 later that same day to now 72 cases (see story on page 4) As a result of the increase in cases, the Government has taken actions to reduce the possibility of the spread via the schools or the airport.
Speaking at the conference, Minister Faber explained that the opening of schools will be delayed until further notice. The Ministry had been in full gear to have schools reopened on Monday, August 10. That is now on hold and the Minister explained that the ministry would not push the opening of schools to the detriment of students and teachers. The preparations for the reopening of schools, however, should continue until a decision is taken as to a date for that to take place. Minister Faber explained that plans for learning continuity and distance learning need to continue. He also stated that home schooling is an option provided under the education rules and registration forms for that to take place are widely available. Reviews for those who participate in this form of schooling will be made by the Ministry of Education.
